Ardbeg – Trudernish 15 Year Old (75cl, 48.8%)

Ardbeg Trudernish is the Islay distillery's first permanent 15-year-old, added to its core range rather than released as a limited edition. It is bottled at 48.8% in a 75cl bottle. The whisky was aged for 15 years in a combination of bourbon casks, new charred oak and Oloroso sherry casks. The new oak adds silk and spice, while the Oloroso brings dried fruit and nuttiness. The name comes from the old settlement of Trudernish on Islay. Peat smoke leads on the nose, with bonfire, sea spray and tarry rope. The palate turns to dark chocolate, espresso, clove and sherry-soaked raisin, with a silky texture and a long, smoky-sweet finish.